Skullcandy Navigator Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Skullcandy Navigator review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.4

Technical Score

20.0%

8.7

User score

Good
5.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

6.1

Features

10.0%

7.5

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

6.0

Battery

4.0%

6.9

Calls & Controls

Good
8.7

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(833)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(833)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Excellent
  • 3.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.6

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 5.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 3.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.6

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Skullcandy Navigator is a portable on-ear headphone featuring 40mm Mylar drivers and an impedance of 34 Ohms, designed with a retro aesthetic inspired by aviator sunglasses. It is characterized by its lightweight, 4.6 oz foldable frame, soft leather-touch memory foam 'ear pillows,' and a detachable flat tangle-resistant cable with Mic3 inline controls. Main pros include its highly portable design, comfortable fit for most users, and clear audio with distortion-free bass performance. However, some users noted cons such as audio leakage at high volumes, a small headband that may feel tight on larger heads, and limited functionality of the inline remote when used with non-iOS devices.

Technical Specifications of Skullcandy Navigator

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

6.1

Features

10.0%

7.5

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

6.0

Battery

4.0%

6.9

Calls & Controls

5.4
Skullcandy Navigator has a technical score of 5.4 points, which is higher than that of 64.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(833)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(833)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

8.7
Skullcandy Navigator has a user score of 8.74 points, which is higher than that of 77.4% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
Skullcandy Navigator has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.1

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.2
Skullcandy Navigator has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is higher than 68.4% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Skullcandy Navigator does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
Skullcandy Navigator uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Skullcandy Navigator uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Skullcandy Navigator reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Skullcandy Navigator supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Skullcandy Navigator is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
Skullcandy Navigator has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

yes
Skullcandy Navigator includes a boom microphone. 84.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Skullcandy Navigator supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Skullcandy Navigator supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Skullcandy Navigator does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Skullcandy Navigator supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Skullcandy
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

200 g
Skullcandy Navigator weighs 200 g, lighter than 54.5% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Skullcandy Navigator vs the average headphone

  • Clear call microphone
    Skullcandy Navigator offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Skullcandy Navigator offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    Skullcandy Navigator includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Skullcandy Navigator includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Skullcandy Navigator has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Skullcandy Navigator has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Foldable design
    Skullcandy Navigator has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Skullcandy Navigator has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Boom microphone included
    Skullcandy Navigator includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
    What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
    When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

    Importance: LOW

    Skullcandy Navigator includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • Play while charging
    Skullcandy Navigator can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
    What it is: Can be used while charging
    When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    Skullcandy Navigator can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Skullcandy Navigator has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Skullcandy Navigator has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 9.3% higher user score
    Skullcandy Navigator has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.74 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Skullcandy Navigator has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.74 vs 8.000).8.74 vs 8
  • Foldable design
    Skullcandy Navigator has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Skullcandy Navigator has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Skullcandy Navigator has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Play while charging
    Skullcandy Navigator can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Clear call microphone
    Skullcandy Navigator offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    Skullcandy Navigator includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    Skullcandy Navigator includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Skullcandy Navigator has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 5 older release date
    Skullcandy Navigator was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2012
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Skullcandy Navigator has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Skullcandy Navigator has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 5 older release date
    Skullcandy Navigator was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2012
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Skullcandy Navigator was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of Skullcandy Navigator and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Skullcandy Navigator?

  • Stylish and attractive retro design with multiple colour options
  • Lightweight and compact folding design makes them highly portable
  • Comfortable fit for many users, featuring soft memory foam ear cushions
  • Detachable cable with an inline microphone and remote controls
  • Good value for money, especially at discounted price points
  • Effective passive noise isolation for on-ear headphones

What customers dislike about Skullcandy Navigator?

  • Clamping force can be too tight for some, causing discomfort over time
  • Sound profile is often described as bass-heavy or 'congested,' lacking clarity in mids and highs
  • Limited functionality for the inline remote on non-iOS devices
  • Durability issues reported, such as peeling ear pads or snapping headbands
  • Microphonic cable noise can be audible when the cord moves against clothing
  • Some users find the ear cups too small or poorly angled for their ears

Expert reviews

W
witchdoctor.co.nz
12/06/2013

The 2013 Witchdoctor review praises the Skullcandy Navigator headphones for their stylish, optics-inspired design, featuring transparent earcups and robust construction that handles daily abuse. Key advantages include a secure fit for active use, strong noise isolation, and a user-friendly inline remote, though they are specifically designed for Apple devices. Conversely, the review...Read more

H
head-fi.org
19/12/2012

The Skullcandy Navigator is recognized for a durable, metal-heavy, and foldable design that offers excellent portability and strong passive noise isolation. Users find the on-ear design comfortable, featuring a detachable cable with a functional remote and a competitive, lightweight build. Conversely, the headphones are criticized for a small headband size, making them uncomfortable...Read more

R
reviewed.com
28/06/2013

The Skullcandy NavigatorGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Review on Reviewed highlights a visually striking and highly portable set of on-ear headphones priced at $99.95. Designed with an eye-catching, industrial aesthetic featuring clear ear cup covers and prominent skull logos, these headphones are highly praised for their lightweight 4.6 oz. build and convenient folding...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
16/11/2012

Review Summary The Skullcandy Navigator is a budget-friendly, on-ear pair of headphones that successfully balances eye-catching style with high-quality audio performance. Modeled after classic Aviator sunglasses, the design features uniquely shaped driver housings and comfortable, plush earpads featuring the brand's skull logo. Priced at $99.95, it delivers a powerful,...Read more

W
welt.de
03/04/2013

The WELT article summarizes a comprehensive test conducted by Audio Video Foto Bild, evaluating 14 headband headphones split into two distinct pricing tiers: seven models retailing around €100 and seven models priced around €200. In the premium €200 category, the compact and elegantly crafted B&W P3 claimed first place due to its warm acoustic tuning, integrated iPhone-compatible...Read more

O
on-mag.fr
28/10/2014

The Skullcandy Navigator review highlights a closed-back, on-ear (supra-aural) headphone that acts as a downsized and more budget-friendly sibling to the previously released Aviator model. Priced officially at 100 € and weighing a mere 130 grams, this wired headset trades the larger over-ear structure of its predecessor for a highly compact and lightweight design. Prominent pros...Read more

O
on-mag.fr
28/10/2014

The Skullcandy Navigator is a compact, lightweight (130g) on-ear headphone that adopts a vintage, Ray-Ban-inspired aesthetic with a thin chrome frame and customizable smoked plexiglass earcups. Priced at €100, it stands out for its exceptional 5/5 comfort, utilizing plush memory foam ear cushions that distribute pressure evenly on the ears, while maintaining a secure fit during...Read more

C
cachem.fr
10/04/2013

The Skullcandy Navigator is an on-ear headphone praised for its stylish, retro-inspired design that mimics vintage aviator headsets with curved metal branches and visible cabling. Weighing only 138g, it is noted for being exceptionally lightweight and comfortable, featuring soft ear cushions that effectively reduce physical pressure while providing decent passive noise isolation....Read more

D
darty.com
07/05/2013

The Skullcandy Navigator features a distinct retro design with a balanced "Supreme Sound" profile, offering clear vocals and precise, punchy bass, while featuring a compact, foldable structure with a detachable cable and microphone. While visually appealing, the headset has notable drawbacks, including an unstable, slippery sliding adjustment mechanism and intense clamping pressure...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
29/11/2012

The Skullcandy Navigator is a compact, foldable, supra-aural (on-ear) headphone designed with an aesthetic heavily inspired by the brand's larger Aviator model. In terms of design and ergonomics, the headphone features a robust metal armature fully integrated into a lightly padded leather headband, offering good general construction quality and comfort through its memory foam ear...Read more

H
hifi.nl
14/04/2013

The Skullcandy Navigator is a highly capable, budget-friendly headphone modeled for everyday consumer use with smartphones and laptops rather than demanding audiophiles. Extensively tested on an iPhone 5 and MacBook Pro with lossless rock and indie tracks, it delivers a full, dynamic, and exceptionally clear sound signature. The reviewer noted that its acoustic clarity easily...Read more

H
hifi.nl
14/04/2013

The lifestyle brand Skullcandy challenged the audiophile community by submitting its Skullcandy Navigator on-ear headphones to HiFi.nl for evaluation. Targeting a young, trendy audience, the product arrives in a premium box sealed with a magnetic closure. Designed heavily around iOS compatibility, the headphone features a sleek, durable build embellished with the brand's signature...Read more

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